The Thomistic Institute Is Suffering Good? – Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P.
Jan 8, 2026
Sr. Elinor Gardner, O.P., a Dominican sister and a philosophy professor, explores the profound implications of suffering. She delves into Stoic thinkers like Seneca, who viewed suffering as a tool for strength, contrasting their ideas with biblical perspectives from Job, where suffering is framed as divine discipline. Gardner emphasizes how suffering can purify the soul and lead to a deeper relationship with God. Through insights from Aquinas and New Testament teachings, she highlights the transformative power of Christ's suffering in understanding our own trials.
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What Suffering Really Is
- Suffering is an evil suffered, distinct from sinful acts we commit.
- It requires knowledge of a lack and that the lack be against the will to count as human suffering.
Stoic Cure: Change Your Will
- Stoics respond to suffering by training the will to be indifferent to externals and to will only virtue.
- Changing desire removes what is contrary to the will and thus removes suffering for them.
Seneca’s Providence And Death
- Seneca likens divine providence to a strong parent who allows hardship to build virtue.
- His own life ended in enforced suicide, reflecting Stoic acceptance of death as an escape.
